G83.5: Locked-in syndrome

Locked-in syndrome is a rare neurological condition where an individual is conscious and mentally aware, but is unable to move or speak due to complete paralysis of nearly all voluntary muscles in the body except for the eyes. It is usually caused by damage in a part of the brain known as the pons, typically from events like a stroke, bleeding, or a lesion. The condition presents itself with the inability to move the limbs, make facial expressions, or verbalize, though the individual can usually move their eyes up and down or blink. They are fully awake, aware, and can understand everything happening around them, but are unable to respond. The condition's progression can vary widely, with some experiencing a modest recovery with aggressive rehabilitation, while others may continue to experience profound physical limitations. The main systems affected in locked-in syndrome are the nervous and muscular systems.

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